The new performance based program provides financial rebates to LADWP customers who install solar systems on their homes or businesses. LADWP’s 10-year, $150 million solar photovoltaic buy-down rebate program, which began in 2000 and will run through June 2011, encourages residents and businesses to use clean, renewable energy by providing rebates that reduce the cost of installing solar electric systems.
The revised guidelines are designed to meet escalating requests by customers eager to participate in one of the largest solar electric system installation programs in the nation. The program also assists the LADWP in achieving its goal of providing 20 percent of its energy from renewable energy sources by 2010.
Ron Deaton, LADWP general manager, said that as of July 1, more than $85 million has been paid in incentives to more than 600 LADWP customers and on LADWP solar projects, and that the department is continuing to work to make solar energy more affordable.
The revised program is design based and rebate amounts are based on the estimated PV system output, rather than system size as in the past. The revised program also takes into consideration future year projections of potential customer demand, in order to avoid putting customers on a waiting list. LADWP says it will closely monitor the program to make sure that demand does not outpace the budget or projections.
LADWP will review the program to see if adjustments need to be made in the future, so it aligns more closely with the recently announced California Solar Initiative that is expected to be implemented in 2007.
The LADWP anticipates that the program will continue to remain open to applications and that all qualifying customers that submit an application will be served. Applications and program details can be found on the LADWP at Web site under “Programs and Rebates.”
